Current Events

September 5, 2019 | Debates and Conversations

6 Takeaways from the CNN Democratic Climate Change Town Hall Meeting

The ten leading Democratic candidates for president gathered at a town hall meeting in New York City Wednesday, broadcast on CNN. They answered questions about how they would address climate change. Here are six takeaways...

The missing pieces of America’s education

For this project on how students learn about slavery in American schools, The Washington Post asked noted historians to write an essay on aspects of slavery that are misunderstood, poorly taught or not covered at all in the nation’s classrooms. From the cruel separation of families to the resistance by enslaved people and the widespread enslavement of Native Americans, these contributions address gaps in our common knowledge about what the practice of slavery has meant for America.

Virginia session to debate gun control adjourns without action

Republican Virginia lawmakers on Tuesday abruptly adjourned a special session aimed at gun control measures that was called following a mass shooting at a Virginia Beach municipal building early last month...

What to expect at the first Democratic presidential debate

The first Democratic presidential debate is finally here. The two-night event will take place from 9 to 11 pm Eastern on Wednesday and Thursday in Miami, and will air on NBC, MSNBC, and Telemundo. We’ll also embed a live stream here once it’s available.This is the first time Democratic candidates will get to square off on the same stage. But they won’t all debate together: A different set of 10 candidates will be featured on each night...

At a fundraiser on Tuesday, former Vice President Joe Biden pulled a Joe Biden, stirring up controversy after speaking off the cuff about his fond memories of working alongside segregationist senators, and telling wealthy donors they have nothing to fear from his presidency...

Who’s In and Who’s Out of the First Democratic Debates

The Democratic National Committee is set to announce the candidates who qualified for the first debates of the 2020 presidential campaign on Thursday, chopping the historically large field of 23 contenders down to the 20 available slots.A New York Times analysis of the criteria indicates that Gov. Steve Bullock of Montana, Representative Seth Moulton of Massachusetts and Mayor Wayne Messam of Miramar, Fla., did not qualify, and will be left out of the debates on June 26 and 27 in Miami...

Jay Inslee Writes to Tom Perez Urging a 2020 Climate Debate

Washington Governor and 2020 presidential candidate Jay Inslee is upping the pressure on the Democratic National Committee to hold a debate exclusively devoted to climate change, with a letter to Chairman Tom Perez...

Nevada to host one of 12 Democratic presidential debates

Nevada will host one of a dozen sanctioned debates the Democratic National Committee is putting on during the 2020 presidential primary cycle, DNC Chair Tom Perez confirmed Tuesday.Perez, in an interview with The Nevada Independent, said that the Silver State will “absolutely” host one of the debates, though he anticipates it will be after the New Year to time it more closely with Nevada’s Feb. 22, 2020 first-in-the-West caucus. During the last presidential election cycle, Nevada hosted the first Democratic presidential debate at Wynn Las Vegas on Oct. 13, 2015...

LGBTQ book bill faces opposition from Effingham school officials, lawmakers

EFFINGHAM — Local school officials and state representatives are opposing a state bill mandating school textbooks include the sexual identity of historical figures.House Bill 246 proposes that the sexual identities of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people be identified. The bill is leading the way for the 2019 Equality Illinois Legislative Agenda. It passed the House 60-42...

‘Heated’ lottery debate expected on Senate floor Thursday

MONTGOMERY, AL (WSFA) - The Senate is expected to debate a lottery proposal Thursday after it passed 6-5 in the Senate Tourism and Marketing Committee Tuesday.Sen. Greg Albritton, R-Atmore, is the sponsor of the bill that would legalize a paper-based lottery. If the legislature approves, it would go to a statewide vote.Albritton said he knows there will be a heated debate on the floor.“I think I am optimistic, but it is certainly not in the bag,” Albritton said...

Lawmakers debate taxing, spending in Illinois

As Illinois lawmakers prepare to vote on a constitutional amendment to change the state's flat income tax to a graduated one, debate on the topic continued Monday even with the legislature off for a two-week break.The City Club of Chicago hosted four lawmakers Monday, two Democrats and two Republicans, to make their case regarding a progressive income tax, which would have higher rates for higher earners.Peoria Republican Senator Chuck Weaver said the biggest reason Democrats want a progressive tax is to make it easier to raise taxes on a small number of high-earners...

‘Campus Clash’ Event Sparks Political Debate, Protests at UConn

There was a clash of political opinion at the University of Connecticut Tuesday as representatives from conservative organization Turning Point USA came to speak on campus Tuesday.There was a spirited debate between students and the political speakers, as well as some fireworks in the theater and protests outside.“It definitely attracts a crowd. There are a lot of haters. But I think the best thing both sides can do is listen,” said James Petersen, a UConn freshman...